In Plain Sight: a celebration of Black cowboys

This body of work from Denver-based artist Joseph Graves Jr. explores the untold story of the Black cowboy and cowgirl;  the men and women whose history and heroism have too often been erased, rewritten or whitewashed. When people imagine cowboys, they usually see white faces framed by wide-brimmed hats. But the truth, hidden in plain sight, is that nearly one in four working cowboys in the American West were Black. These men were horsemen, herdsmen and skilled wranglers whose mastery with cattle and horses earned the admiration of all who witnessed them. Like their male counterparts, Black cowgirls faced a similar legacy. Many were the daughters of formerly enslaved people who found work as skilled cattle hands, ranchers and breeders after the Civil War.

The term “cowboy” itself was born out of racism. White men were called cattlemen, while Black men, no matter their age or expertise, were called boys. Over time, their excellence redefined the insult, transforming “cow boy” into a badge of skill, pride and defiance. When townsfolk watched them at work, they’d shout, “Look at those cow boys!” The phrase stuck; but the people it described were gradually erased from the photographs, stories and legends of the West.

Through vibrant color, layered texture and bold expression, Graves Jr. reclaims the image and identity of the Black cowboy and Black cowgirl. His paintings invite viewers to see what has always been in plain sight: the power, dignity and artistry of these men and women. These portraits and scenes are not just acts of remembrance, they are celebrations of culture, resilience and legacy. Each canvas is a declaration that the stories, the faces and the truths of the Black cowboys and cowgirls belong in the history of America’s frontier.